F. Couperin - French Organ Music 1 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Album Tracks 1. Leçon de Ténèbres 1, for Treble Voice & Continuo 2. Leçon de Ténèbres 2, for Treble Voice & Continuo 3. Leçon de Ténèbres 3, for 2 Treble Voices & Continuo 4. Iiie Leçon Du Mercredi Saint, S. 118 (Leçons de Ténèbres) 5. Iiie Leçon Du Vendredi Saint, S. 124 (Leçons de Ténèbres)

French organ music from the period of Louis XIV to the Revolution has always held fascination for performers and listeners alike. The kaleidoscope of colours, the rich and varied styles, and the sheer exuberance of the music never fail to captivate. Yet, performance practice of this music has never been fully understood. David Ponsford has spent much of his career studying this repertoire, resulting in his book French Organ Music in the Reign of Louis XIV (Cambridge University Press, 2011). The present series of recordings on the most important historical organs in France is therefore the fruit of many years of research by a seasoned performer whose aim is to combine technical brilliance with intellectual understanding, to bring the music alive with authority and meaning.

Album Tracks 1. Magnificat, Motet for 2 Sopranos & Continuo 2. Leçons de Ténèbres, for Treble Voice (Or 2 Treble Voices) & Continuo Première Leçon 3. Leçons de Ténèbres, for Treble Voice (Or 2 Treble Voices) & Continuo Deuxième Leçon 4. Leçons de Ténèbres, for Treble Voice (Or 2 Treble Voices) & Continuo Troisième Leçon